Washington's state and local governments have enacted various building and zoning codes to protect your life, health, and property. If you suspect that a building or zoning violation is occurring, you can file a Request for Investigation. After you file the Request for Investigation, the Code Enforcement Officer will verify that the complaint is a valid code violation within his jurisdiction. If it is not within his jurisdiction, he will forward the case to the appropriate agency. In many cases, violations are brought into compliance within one to three months. The County has the authority to fine the owner and to issue citations if the owner is unwilling to comply with the code(s).

Please fill out as much information as you can on the Investigation Form. If you need help finding the address, parcel number or owner information, you can contact the Benton County Assessor’s Office at (509) 736-3088.

If you request it on the form, your name will be kept confidential. However, please be aware that if this action is taken to court anything provided to Code Enforcement will become public information.

Zoning code violationsDangerous buildingsIllegal placement of mobile homesOversized and illegally placed signsRight of way constructionConstruction without a permitGrading/excavation/fillingJunk carsShoreline ViolationsOther land use violations, hazards or nuisances

The Benton Clean Air Authority regulates when it is okay to burn and handles blowing dust complaints. Their Burn Line Phone Number is 946-4489. When calling the burn line you will need to know if your property is outside or inside of the Urban Growth Area (UGA). To find out if your property is in the UGA please call the Planning Department at (509) 786-5612.